Week 3 - Action Research

The question to be answered by my action research is: What are the pros and cons of using cell phones as teaching tools? Specifically, does using cell phone technology increase student motivation, engagement, or achievement? Does using cell phone technology increase the instances of off-task behavior, cyber-bullying, or cheating?

The target population is a group of twenty-seven sixth grade students. Data will be collected from two classes of similar make up before, during, and after the action plan. Neither group has special education students, but both groups have similar numbers of Section 504 students, boys and girls, diverse ethnicities, varied learning styles, and levels of achievement. I plan to begin with collecting baseline data by administering a survey (anonymously) about instances of (or firsthand knowledge of) cheating and cyber-bullying. I would also collect baseline data on the percentage of homework completion by both classes prior to the implementation of utilizing cell phones in lessons for only one of the classes.

During the implementation of cell phone activities, I would collect data on the percentage of students actively engaged in the lessons/activities for both classes. Some of this data collection would be by teacher observation, and some by percentage of homework completed in both classes. The level of student achievement will also be measured by administering assessments of the content and TEKS that are taught and comparing the two classes. Another measurement used as a possible indicator will be trends in grades of the class before and after the implementation of cell phone technology.

Parent permission must be obtained prior to any students being allowed to participate in any activities utilizing a cell phone. Additionally, and Cell Phone Acceptable Use Policy must be developed and signed by both parents and students.

In order to make an informed and wise decision about the use of cell phones, one must also consider the negative effects of students’ use of cell phones in class. Off task behavior related to having cell phones available to students, such as surfing the Internet, texting friends, and any other inappropriate or off task behavior, will be monitored very closely and data will be collected. All forms of off-task behavior will be monitored and recorded for both classes.

Obviously, during the course of the action plan, unforeseen benefits or problems may arise, which would also become part of the data.

Finally, at the conclusion of the study, another survey will be conducted to ascertain students’ knowledge of, or participation in, cyber-bullying and cheating. This surrvey will be compared with the survey conducted prior to the use of cell phones in class.

The results of this study are significant to our campus and our district as leaders are grappling with decisions about putting technology into the hands of students. The risks must be weighed against the benefits to students. In these difficult financial times, cell phones are a cost-efficient method for integrating technology and 21st century tools in education.